Ataturk commemorated on 71st anniversary of his death

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, was commemorated yesterday throughout Turkey, in Northern Cyprus, and at Turkey's missions abroad on the 71st anniversary of his death. Traffic stopped and sirens blared for two minutes starting at 9:05 a.m., the time Ataturk died in Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace 71 years ago. All flags around the country were lowered to half-mast. The first official commemoration ceremony was held at Ataturk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, in Ankara, with top state officials, led by President Abdullah Gul, placing a wreath of red and white carnations at the tomb. Participants also observed a minute of silence and sang the Turkish national anthem. Gul and political leaders also issued statements marking the day. In his message, Gul said Turkey had courageously realized Ataturk’s modernization and transformation steps. Speaking in Ankara, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wanted to celebrate Ataturk's life. "November 10 should never be a day of mourning," he said. "Let’s not forget that important people are remembered for their ideas, work, sacrifices and endeavors, not through mourning." Quoting Ataturk as saying, "Seeing me definitely doesn't mean seeing my face; rather, it suffices if you can understand my views and feelings," Erdogan added that November 10 is an opportunity to commemorate, understand and improve Ataturk’s main philosophy and work. Erdogan also said working to make Turkey a stronger, more democratic and more developed country is the best way to honor Ataturk's legacy. At the ceremony, Erdogan also praised the legendary heroes of the War of Independence, saying that the Turkish people are grateful for their efforts to establish the Republic of Turkey.